Library system may see overhaul

The Orange County Board of Commissioners, after receiving a final report about library services in the community, decided Tuesday to continue discussion about creating a new central library in the county.

The report issued by the Orange County Library Task Force recommended a 20-year plan for the creation of a new central library, a southwest regional branch in Carrboro, a northern branch in Cedar Grove and a branch in Cheeks township. It also was recommended that the existing Chapel Hill Public Library serve the southeastern portion of the county.

The report comes after the task force reconvened in January to address inadequate facilities and the need to reach rural areas.

It was unanimous among the commissioners that this was a plan worth discussion and attention.

"The idea is to bring the library up to speed," said Commissioner Barry Jacobs. "We value education in this county, and we have allowed our libraries to languish."

But the commissioners said funding details for creating a new library or additional branches have yet to be worked out.

"In the upcoming budget season this spring, we should make a commitment to the recommendations and step up to the plate," said Commissioner Stephen H. Halkiotis.

The task force's 17 members came up with a detailed plan of recommendations on which the commissioners would have the final say.

"This plan is simply a recommendation, and it is up to the commissioners how they follow through," said Brenda Stephens, the director of the Orange County Public Library and task force member.

Plans were revised Oct. 12 to include recommendations for a new Orange County Central Library to be constructed in the vicinity of Hillsborough, a central location within the county.

The task force recommended a new central library with a size ranging from 30,000 to 65,000 square feet. The size of the central library in Hillsborough now is 12,750 square feet.

The task force suggested several sites for the new library including the Orange County campus of Durham Technical Community College or a renovation to any Hillsborough building with adequate space.

The plan also includes recommendations to combine the collections, staff and services that are located at the McDougle Middle School branch and the Century Center Cybrary, both in Carrboro. There are also plans for a heritage center, which will have archives of town histories.

The task force suggested that a rural community be evaluated for the establishment of a cybrary or library to provide access to library resources in more distant areas.

Evelyn Daniel, chairwoman of the library task force, said no one should be more than 15 minutes away from a library.

"I think, in general, that most commissioners are favorable to needs in greater investments for library services," she said. "I think they'll do the best they can."

Hillsborough Town Commissioner Mike Gering said he would prefer to see a strong branch library remain in Hillsborough.

But he said he would welcome other branches. "You can never have too many libraries," he said.

The board will continue discussions Oct. 25.

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